FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 1, 2016) — Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin declared August Kentucky Breastfeeding Month. Kentucky ranks 42 out of 50 for breastfeeding rates in the United States, well behind the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Healthy People 2020 objectives. The proclamation, signed at the capitol in Frankfort, is a step in the effort to improve that ranking. It acknowledges the importance of creating a healthy environment for children; the benefits in growth, development, bonding and disease protection provided by breast milk; and the support needed from Kentucky’s employers for breastfeeding mothers that will benefit both the employee and the company. To read the full proclamation, visit www.breastfeedKentucky.com.

The proclamation was inspired by the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 9 during the 2016 legislative session. SCR 9 was introduced by Sen. Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington, with the support of the Lactation Improvement Network of Kentucky (LINK). It calls upon lawmakers to wholeheartedly support breastfeeding among the state’s family. In addition to SCR 9, LINK and Sen. Thomas also worked together on Senate Bill 34 which creates a fine for anyone who impedes a mother’s right to breastfeed in any public or private facility in the state. The efforts fighting for this legislation and others that protect a nursing mother’s rights will continue in the 2017 session.

As part of the month long celebration, events educating the public about the benefits of breastfeeding and offering support to breastfeeding mothers are taking place across the state. These include the Louisville community breastfeeding celebration Aug. 5 at the Family Health Center on E. Broadway, the Big Latch On Aug. 6 in Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, Lexington, Ashland and northern Kentucky and the rock and relax area at the Kentucky State Fair Aug. 18 through 28. For a complete list and more information, visit www.breastfeedKentucky.com.

About the Lactation Improvement Network of Kentucky:

Founded in 2011 by a group of mothers and breastfeeding advocates, the Lactation Improvement Network of Kentucky (LINK) aims to improve the health and well-being of all babies by connecting women looking for breastfeeding resources and information. It is recognized by the United States Breastfeeding Committee as Kentucky’s breastfeeding coalition. LINK is a group of volunteers from across Kentucky leading the effort in breaking down breastfeeding barriers on the local, regional and state levels. This includes advocating for laws that protect a mother’s right to breastfeed in public or express breast milk in the workplace; promoting dialogue with minority communities with the lowest rates of breastfeeding; and recognizing community members who further the mission of making breastfeeding easier for all Kentuckians. For more information, follow LINK on Facebook or visit www.BreastfeedKentucky.com.